Are We Allowed To Just Dream: Book

Writer & Contributor

Intent

I was commissioned by David Adekoya to contribute original written pieces to Are We Allowed To Just Dream?, an anthology exploring the impact of Black footballers on sport and global culture.

Exploration

The book examines football’s relationship with Blackness, celebrating trailblazers while confronting racism, marginalisation and systemic bias. Divided into five thematic chapters titled Beauty, Gift, Imagination, Action and Celebration, the project brings together photography, poetry and prose to reflect on how Black players are seen, celebrated and constrained within the game.

Expression

I wrote one original piece for each chapter, as well as a final poem responding to the book as a whole. Each contribution explored a different dimension of Black footballing identity, moving between pride and pressure, visibility and vulnerability. The work draws from my lived experience within academy football and my ongoing exploration of masculinity and belonging.

Outcome

The anthology extended beyond the page, leading to collaboration with the Premier League during Black History Month, where I spoke about my journey as a former academy footballer and performed work from the book. The project positioned my writing within a wider cultural conversation around representation, race and the future of the game.

Year: 2024